Yobe River Boat Capsize Kills 25, 14 Still Missing in Nigeria

Overview

• The large canoe overturned around 7:48 p.m. on Jan. 3 near Garbi in Nguru LGA, according to the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency.
• The vessel had 52 passengers who departed Adiyani in neighboring Jigawa, many of them farmers and traders returning from market and field work.
• Thirteen people were rescued and hospitalized, as responders continue searching for 14 missing and recover additional bodies.
• YOSEMA dispatched teams from Bade and Nguru alongside security forces and community volunteers under a state directive to deliver medical and logistical support.
• Jigawa police said the canoe capsized due to leakage and cited violations of night-travel and overloading rules, adding the driver would face prosecution if he survives.